Response Generalization

Response Generalization occurs when an individual engages in a different but functionally equivalent behavior in response to the same stimulus. The new behavior serves the same purpose or produces the same outcome as the originally trained behavior, even though it may look different.

Example

A student is taught to raise their hand to get the teacher’s attention during class. Later, instead of raising their hand, the student begins tapping on the desk to gain the teacher’s attention. Both behaviors—hand-raising and desk-tapping—are different in form but serve the same function of getting attention. This is an example of response generalization.

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